July 7, 2020

Children Returning to LeafSpring Schools as Offices Open Across the Country

While all schools remained open, enrollment fluctuated as state governments and parents stayed home amidst the pandemic

Things may look different at times, but the doors to all  LeafSpring Schools throughout the country  have been open throughout the coronavirus pandemic LeafSpring Schools, a Richmond-VA based early education childcare franchise, is the only early education franchise that has a licensed nurse on site at every school. This, along with their commitment to health and wellness and close relationships with local and state licensing and health departments, has helped the schools maintain safe hallways, staff and children during the pandemic.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, additional precautionary policies were implemented across the company, including daily temperature checks and screening questions, socially distanced parent drop-off and pickups, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, and more strategic playtime now that shared spaces are off limits in the schools. Additionally, programming shifted with most schools adding a virtual component to summer camp and school year activities. Individual schools have found creative ways to connect with families during their time apart, including bus parades, at-home learning box drop offs, socially distant Pre-K graduation, and a nurse-led “after bedtime video chat” on Facebook to answer some tough questions.

“The situation isn’t ideal, but one of LeafSpring Schools’ core values is innovation, and the pandemic gave us an opportunity to showcase how we can bring new ideas to our families and communities. I’m extremely proud of the way the schools have risen to the occasion to make their schools an even safer space, but to also help parents and families who were at home for a period of time during state-mandated stay at home orders,” said chief executive officer Vance Spilman.

With locations in Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana and Texas, the state-mandated recommendations have varied during the past few months. Company-wide recommended practices were encouraged by LeafSpring’s corporate team, who has been monitoring each state’s situation.

“Children in our schools have been getting the same high-quality care and education throughout the pandemic. Once the state guidelines changed, schools opened their doors for additional families and now children are coming back as offices open and people are returning to work. Still, we know that the decision to send a child back to school can be tough right now, and our directors and corporate team have been talking with parents individually to address concern. Flexibility has been our biggest asset,” said executive vice president Susan Bishop.

“Our nurses are experienced and professional and provide another layer of protection. Their expertise and knowledge has helped us craft guidelines and recommendations so that school’s are safe, but still a comfortable and warm space for our families,” said Spilman.

Moving forward, the schools will keep close contact with their local health departments and licensing, who are offering guidance and information on what to do should anyone linked to the school test positive for COVID-19.

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About LeafSpring Schools:

Founded in 1989, LeafSpring Schools is a Richmond, VA-based provider of expert childcare, early education, school age recreation, summer camps and emergency backup care. Its locations in Indiana, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia are all accredited, or seeking accreditation, by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and cognia. Curriculum-based learning using the proprietary curriculum, PLAYWORKS®, is offered for infants through private kindergarten, and the INSPIRED leadership program is taught across all age groups. For more information about the company and franchise opportunities, visit LeafSpringSchools.com.